In a recent discussion on Bluesky, former Volition developer Elizabeth Zelle, along with video game preservationists Andrew Borman and Phil Salvadore, brought to light the intriguing existence of Skinballs—a surreal NPC from the Saints Row franchise. This character, born from a unique intersection of creativity and historical circumstance, has found a permanent home in the Strong Museum of Play, ensuring its legacy for future generations.
Preserving Gaming History
The conversation was sparked by an article from IGN’s Rebekah Valentine, which critiqued the game Love and Deepspace for its oversight in representing nonwhite characters during scene lighting. In response, Zelle reflected on how Volition approached this challenge in Saints Row: The Third with the innovative creation of Skinballs. Composed of four spheres, each textured in a different flesh tone, Skinballs served as a practical tool for artists to ensure that scenes were lit appropriately for characters of diverse skin colors.
Zelle expressed her personal appreciation for Skinballs, noting its rise to fame within modding communities, akin to the iconic purple checkerboard texture often seen in Source engine games. This recognition led both Zelle and Salvadore to celebrate the fact that Skinballs is now enshrined in a museum collection, a testament to its quirky charm and cultural significance.
According to GamesHub, former staff from the now-defunct Volition have generously donated a wealth of materials related to the studio’s games to the Strong Museum. This extensive collection includes thousands of game builds, source materials, documentation, awards, and props. Among these treasures lies Skinballs, affectionately dubbed the “globular GOAT.” While Skinballs may not occupy a prominent position in the museum’s public exhibits, its presence ensures that this unique piece of gaming history will be preserved for the appreciation of future enthusiasts.
